Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore protects Michigan's northwestern coastline, a 35-mile stretch of coastal sand dunes and dotted with clear lakes, birch-lined streams, dense beech-maple forests and high rising bluffs.

The North and South Manitou islands, tranquil and secluded, are also part of the National Lakeshore.

There are visitor centers in Empire and on South Manitou Island.

Climbing to the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes at the Dune Climb is strenuous but rewarding. Visitors can also hike the Dunes Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip, or walk a 2.8-mile loop trail to Sleeping Bear Point. There are a total 13 trails in Lakeshore.

Many trails lead through forests and meadows. The park's lakes and rivers offer swimming, boating and fishing. Canoes can be rented on the Platte and Crystal rivers. There are 50 miles of marked cross-country ski trails.

The 71,176-acre lakeshore has two developed campgrounds on the mainland, two backcountry camping areas and two group camping sites. There are three backcountry camping areas on South Manitou Island. There is one backcountry camping area and wilderness camping throughout North Manitou Island.

Hikers and backpackers can explore 15,000 acres of wilderness on North Manitou Island. Ferries run seasonally to both North and South Manitou.

A standard wheelchair as well as a sand chair is available for use, inquire at the Dune Center located next to the Dune Climb. A sand wheel chair is available at the Dune Center located at the base of the Dune climb and also at the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum.

The Visitor Center slide program is captioned. The park dispatch office is equipped with TDD service.

The park is now equipped with Assistive Listening Devices at the Visitor Center and Glen Haven General Store.